Five Reasons Why the Chicago Bears Need to Keep Brian Urlacher

Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher will be entering his 14th season in the NFL and if the Chicago Bears want to win a Super Bowl in 2013, they would be wise to bring him back. Here are five reasons Urlacher should be re-signed by the Bears:

1) Keep the continuity on defense. With a new head coach, Marc Trestman and a new defensive coordinator, Mel Tucker, bringing back your starting middle linebacker and defensive signal caller would help keep the Bears defense intact and not miss a beat from one of the most opportune defenses in the league. Urlacher's presence on the field would maintain the core, keep everyone on the same page and despite turning 35 in May, an improved knee and off-season of rehab on it should result in an improved Urlacher from last season.

2) The Urlacher legacy. Don't underestimate the appeal of Urlacher among the Bears fans. He is among the Bears greats of all-time and ranks up there with the Walter Payton, Dick Butkus and Mike Singeltary names in Bears lore. He is not someone you just release and let go. Doing so would have an immediate negative affect on new Bears GM Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman. A two year deal with incentives totaling $10 million makes sense and allows the Bears and Urlacher to come in to the 2013 season focused without any backlash from fans and media about the release of your all-time leader in tackles.

3) The Ray Lewis theory. By bringing Urlacher back, the team and especially the defense will have an additional purpose and motivation to make a drive to the playoffs and a Super Bowl win. Similar to the late post-season push and an ultimate Super Bowl title by the Baltimore Ravens and their leader Ray Lewis, the Bears and Urlacher will be driven in much the same manner.

4) Free Agent signings. With Urlacher back in the fold, it will serve notice to free agents contemplating their desired destination that the Chicago Bears are in it to win it. Now. Most free agents are enticed by the big contract by with all things equal, having the chance to play for a legititmate contender will help persuade that free agent on the fence to lean towards the Bears.

5) Brian Urlacher wants a Super Bowl ring. There is no denying Urlacher's main desire upon coming back to play is to reach a goal that has eluded him for 13 seasons; Winning a Super Bowl. As a Chicago Bear. With two seasons to push himself to reach the pinnacle of the NFL, along with teammates 33-year old Julius Peppers and 32-year old's Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman, the time is now for a run towards a Super Bowl crown.

Time is a precious commodity for players in the NFL. For Brian Urlacher, the time is now for he and the Chicago Bears to stay together and make one last run at a Super Bowl championship.